“Ye ken that ye are nae quiet enough,” a voice said, and Ceana froze. Fear, terror, and panic filled her.
“Come on, turn around,” the voice urged.
Ceana swore that she could hear amusement in the tone. Slowly, she turned back. Even as she did, she made up her mind that she would die before she admitted that Torcall knew anything. She would claim that she stole out of the house. She knew her father would support her. It was the only way to keep the rest of the family safe.
The guard was a pleasant-looking man. He was almost as tall as Torcall but had a more muscular build. His eyes were a shade of blue that she had never seen. She recognized him. He was a guard that worked with her father.
“Have ye lost yer tongue, girl?” he asked her. Ceana saw the flash in her eyes and knew that she had not been mistaken. He was amused. “Ye are headed for Torcall’s cell, are ye nae?”
“Aye,” she said. “‘Tis me first time here.”
“First thing ye must learn, girl. Ye must ne’er lie pointedly. Ye are here illegally, and there is nay why ye would be ready to tell me so readily if ye had an aim. Now, I ken that whatever ye say first is a lie.”
Ceana said nothing.
“Next time, before ye sneak in, be sure to check to be sure that no one besides sleepy Bill is around. When we wardens resume duty, we slip out of our normal clothing and wear our warden uniforms. There are five pairs available.” He pointed outside. “If one uniform is missing, one warden is in. If two are missing, two wardens are inside.”
Ceana was bewildered. “Are ye nay goin’ to report me?”
“You wouldnae ken who I am, but Torcall does.”
“Who are ye? I recognize ye from the guards.”
“I am Wal. When Torcall’s ma was alive, I fought for her favor—a lot of other young men did. ‘Twasnae hard to figure out why. The woman was gorgeous. When she married Torcall’s da, I was heartbroken, and when she was murdered, I was even more so. I watched Torcall as a young boy. He reminded me so much of his ma. They have the same kind-heartedness. Torcall is a strong man. I wouldnae willingly go up against him. Yet, I have seen him fight. He has nae a reason to go after defenseless women. And do ye ken the reasons that they claim? The women who refused Torcall didnae do it for lack of interest. They did it for his reputation.”
“His reputation?” She knew nothing of Torcall’s reputation.
“Torcall is a sleek one with the ladies. ‘Tis well known. And when he approached these women, they refused him because they didnae want to be seen as easy.”
Ceana was quiet. She didn’t know how the words made her feel. On the one hand, yet another person was vouching for Torcall, but on another, she realized just how many women vied for his attentions.
“And the last woman, God rest her soul. Rannoch, Tam, Torcall, and I and some other men were at the tavern the day she showed up angry at him, for she had heard rumors. We had a good laugh at the lad’s expense. If anyone would want to kill, ‘twould be those poor lassies.” Wal said. “I have spoken too long. Ye may go in now. Remember what I have told ye. If ye are caught here, ‘twould be dangerous for ye both. The Laird will consider it treason.”
Ceana nodded. “I thank ye,” she said.
Almost stoically, she turned back to the door and proceeded to unlock it. Her mind was racing. Did Torcall share what she felt they shared with other women? But what if it was just that- thoughts? He hadn’t said anything to prove that her feelings for him were mutual.
Ceana, she scolded herself inwardly.Tis nae about yer love for him but his innocence. Take yer feelings and do away with them!
She opened the door and came face to face with Torcall standing right in front of her. He had heard everything.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Torcall,” Ceana breathed out. More words failed her.
Torcall said nothing. His eyes seemed to study her.
“Torcall?”
“‘Tis nae safe for ye to continue to come here,” he said.
It was Ceana’s turn to be quiet.
“I wouldnae be able to forgive meself if anythin’ happened to ye.”
“‘Tis a risk I am willing to take,” she said honestly.
“But nae one that I am willing to take.”
